Davies defeats Lane for title; one step closer to British title dream

In the co-headliner to Sanigar Events’ ‘Dragon Fire’ show, Dai ‘Dutters’ Davies (12-23-2, 2KO) collected his second consecutive title with a points victory over Bristol’s brave Ashley Lane (5-5-2, 1KO). Referee Clarke Joslyn scored the contest 97-95 to the Welshman, awarding him the vacant International Masters Gold title at the Rhydycar Leisure Centre in Merthyr Tydfil. The ten rounder was a tactical affair throughout as both took it in turns to apply gradual pressure, often with straight shots before pivoting away out of the exchanges. The pair’s shot selection was similar but Davies always seemed half a step sharper, scoring most notably with lead backhand from the orthodox stance and left hooks to the body which caused Lane to wince on more than one occasion. Aside from the gum-shield accidentally falling out of Lane’s mouth three times, the action was rarely interrupted, albeit repetitive as they mirrored each other when vying for ring position. Neither boxer over exerted themselves, instead opting to respect their opponents’ skill and they settled in to a controlled rhythm early that was never in danger of changing. Davies preparation had been disrupted earlier this week when Kris ‘Chuck’ Jones withdrew from their scheduled ten rounder due to flu. To Lane’s credit, the natural bantamweight accepted the fight on five days notice without hesitation and never stopped trying for the full thirty minutes. The 24-year-old Englishman was already fit due to his work at the Sanigar’s gym in the West Country and it showed. In Davies’ last fight in July, the Merthyr man ended a seven year absence from his hometown, producing a career best performance by stopping Robbie Turley to defend his Welsh featherweight championship for the first time, despite being in his third title reign. Davies has now established solid home support with hundreds turning up to watch the 31-year-old and it’s something’s that been missing from the majority of his career. The Welshman has now won all three of his fights this year, against opponents who all owned winning records and it’s arguably been the best year of Davies’ ten year career. Davies will now look forward to a British title eliminator and there are rumors that he will meet the only man to beat world class Welshman Lee Selby, Samir Mouneimne (13-1-1, 4KO). If the Hull featherweight wins his fight tomorrow, Davies may fight him at the end of November.